Washington D.C. solar panels: The complete guide in 2026
Data updated Jan 23, 2026
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 10.87 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Washington D.C., which will cost you about $32,534.
Cost for an average system in Washington D.C.
| Cash price | $32,534 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $108,842 | 5 Years | 79% |
Some states, towns, and utility companies offer incentives that can help lower the cost of solar.
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Going solar in Washington D.C.
Make this the year you vote for solar power! With D.C.-specific incentives, homeowners can save thousands on solar panels, making the switch to solar an easy and cost-effective decision.
Here's what you should know about going solar in D.C.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Washington D.C.?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Washington D.C. homeowner needs a 10.87 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $32,534 before incentives. Prices range from $27,654 to $37,414, but Washington D.C. also has some great local incentives.
While this may sound high, it will pay off in Washington D.C.. That's why over 8,000 Washington D.C. homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 5.16 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it up front. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These typically deliver immediate savings and can make a lot of sense if you’re looking to keep your capital flexible. Just make sure to choose an offering with low annual escalators to ensure it will continue to provide long-term savings.
Solar loan: This allows you to retain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal. If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Washington D.C.?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Washington D.C.. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Washington D.C. | Description |
|---|---|---|
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | $2,400 per year | Cash payments for producing solar power |
Solar For All | $10,000 | Free rooftop solar for low-income households |
Washington D.C. solar property tax exemption | The typical property tax in D.C. is 0.57% | Exempt from paying property taxes on the value added by solar panels. |
Is net metering available in Washington D.C.?
If you live in a state with a net metering program, you can earn credits for the excess generation your solar panel system produces and delivers back to the grid. It’s essentially a solar buyback program that makes it so you owe little to nothing on your electric bills.
In Washington D.C., PEPCO provides net metering services. When your solar panels produce electricity during sunny periods, your home uses this power first. Any surplus energy is sent back to the grid, and PEPCO gives you credits for it on your energy bill.
During periods when your solar panels don't produce enough energy, and you require electricity from the grid, PEPCO deducts from your accumulated credits. You only start paying for electricity once you've used up all your credits.
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panels continue to get more efficient, meaning they produce more power per square foot. In 2025, the most popular solar panels can produce about 450 watts of electricity in full sunlight—you’ll want panels with at least that much power output to get the most out of your installation.
It’s also important to choose a solar inverter setup that works for your roof’s layout.
And if you plan to install a solar battery, pick one that can easily integrate with that inverter.
While premium equipment can result in sticker shock, it typically saves you more money in the in the long run: The highest-quality panels degrade at a slower rate and maintain more of their power output for longer, and the best warranty terms often guarantee up to 40 years of coverage in case you need repairs or replacements.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Washington D.C.?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Washington D.C.:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
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resources
Top solar resources for Washington D.C.
- Washington D.C. Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- EnergySmart D.C. Solar Initiatives
Learn more about solar initiatives in D.C.
- Washington D.C. Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about D.C. energy production and prices.
- D.C. Solar Policy (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in D.C.
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